"Simple" vs. "Partition"

[Robert Lee]

I installed a new hard disk and made what I thought were two partitions. But
the disk management console labels the volumes as "Simple", rather than a
"Partition".

What's the difference? Is it more desirable to have a "Partition"?

 

[JS]

When you used Disk Management you created a "Dynamic Disk"
Dynamic disk are usually mounted (attached) to a folder on
another drive. I would delete and start over.

More info:
Using simple volumes
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc785158.aspx

Create a simple volume
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc739429.aspx

What's the Dynamic disk
http://www.easeus.com/resource/dynamic-disk-recovery.htm

How To Use Disk Management to Configure Dynamic Disks in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308424

 

[Robert Lee]

According to my book on Windows XP, I didn't have any choice but to select a
Simple volume or some variant of it. Apparently, because I have a dynamic
disk, I didn't have the option to create a partition. And that's my
recollection too. So it wouldn't do any good to start over.

 

[sgopus]

you really don't want a dynamic disk, it's not that reliable, my suggestion
is for you to convert it to basic, rather than dynamic.

 

[Anna]

(SNIP)

According to my book on Windows XP, I didn't have any choice but to select
a
Simple volume or some variant of it. Apparently, because I have a dynamic
disk, I didn't have the option to create a partition. And that's my
recollection too. So it wouldn't do any good to start over.

Robert:
You've given the impression in your initial post that since the disk in
question is "a new hard disk", it's free of any data. Is that not so?

Assuming it is, JS's advice would be the correct course of action. Can you
not (using Disk Management) delete the two partitions you've already created
and from the now-unallocated disk space simply create a Basic disk and
multi-partition it the way you desire?
Anna

 

[Robert Lee]

No, I don't think I was ever given that choice. My book, Windows XP Inside
Out, states at p. 687 that, "On dynamic disks, simple volumes are the
equivalent of primary partitions on basic disks." Also, there's a picture of
the New Volume Wizard page which offers "Simple, Spanned and Striped"
volumes. The accompanying text states, "only the three choices shown here
are available with Windows XP Professional."

So I believe that the "dynamic disk" attribute is an unchangeable feature of
my WD Hard Drive, and that I have no choice but to create a Simple volume, or
one of the even more exotic volumes. Do you know of a way to change the disk
from dynamic to basic?

 

[John John - MVP]

A dynamic disk isn't a hardware thing, it isn't set in concrete! The
only reason that you have one is because you created one. Just use the
Disk Management tool and get rid of the dynamic disk and revert it back
to a basic disk.

John

 

[JS]

I'm not familiar with the book, but go back a page or two
it should mention other partitioning and format options.

Dynamic disks are rather unique options and not to
commonly created and use by most PC users. These
type of disks go back to UNIX operating systems where
they were more often found in use along with the "Substitute"
command.

 

[sgopus]

it's not immediately apparent, how to convert a dynamic to a basic, go into
your disk management screen and right click on the tab that shows the disk
type, it should give you the option to convert to basic, I think windows
defaults to dynamic when formatting a new hd, and unless your aware of this,
you miss the opportunity to easily make it basic, on the first try. I
believer it's the disk name tab, I can't view it at this time to be sure.

 

[Robert Lee]

You guys were right. I was able to convert the dynamic disk to a basic disk
and create the usual partitions. Thanks to everyone who responded.

 

[JS]

You're welcome.

--
JS
http://www.pagestart.com

You guys were right. I was able to convert the dynamic disk to a basic
disk
and create the usual partitions. Thanks to everyone who responded.